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The Asam gelugur tree is cetegorised as a flatland forest tree. It grows to a height of 20 m and has long trunk, smooth grey bark and drooping branches. The leaves are dark green, shiny, long narrow and with a pointed tip and upturned edges. The tree also produces yellowish and sticky latex. The flowers are dark red and the round yellow to orange fruits are borne singly on twig ends and are 7-10 cm in diameter. They are heavy, longitudinally grooved by 12 to 16 and are flattened at the apex.

Its other name is Garcinia while scientifically called Garcinia atroviridis from the Guttiferae family.  A full-grown Asam Gelugur tree looks like a cone, with the branches entangling against the length of the trunk.

Young sprout leaves can be consumed as vegetable.  Its main use is as apetiser or culinary ingredient.  The fruit is extremely sour but useful as remedy in the alternative medicine world.

The most known quality of an Asam Gelurur is its remedy for cracked heels. Just boil the dried fruits in water and when lukewarm dip the affected areas into it for a few minutes. A riped fruit is cut into pieces and patched on the forehead to ease prolong headaches.